FYI. For a couple years, this has been my favorite rod for indicator nymphing, per Aaron's original recommendation. It is a terrific fishing tool. My only complaint was that the original reel seat hardware and cork grip was better suited for casting dry flies and mounting small (size 2) reels. I nymph with the heavy-bellied nymphing lines (Rio Nymph for example) and these lines require a larger reel for mounting. I also like the larger reel since it provides a larger arbor and greater mass to balance the rod. Modern reels are so light, they often don't balance out your rod that well (you can add lead tape on the spool for mass, but you don't get the benefits of the large arbor). I use a lot of Ross Rhythm and Evolution reels in the 3.5 size.

I called Sage and they recommended a custom rod manufacturer, Anderson Custom Rods, in Rogue River, Oregon. I am really pleased with the result, and I highly recommend this customization shop. Turnaround time was one week start to finish, including shipping, and cost was $85.

My original rod had the "F" grip on top in the figure below, but now has the much better "G" grip, and that includes a short 1.5in fighting butt. I am getting to the point where I like a small fighting butt on all my rods, since I have gotten so used to its benefits on my 3-weight Loop Opti Peak.

You may want to consider a similar customization.